::My favourite artist by Pia Jane Bijkerk written for Bloesem's World Tour in May 2008::
“Just outside of Bathurst in NSW, Australia, a road sign on the highway points to a place called “Sunny Corner”. Turn off to find a winding dusty trail that gently separates the grassy landscape. It’s this path that leads to a magical place…
Welcome to the artist sanctuary of Australian talent Greg Hyde. No corner of this property is untouched by imaginative flair. Greg and wife Trish built this farmhouse from mud bricks and pre-loved bits and pieces. The rambling garden joins the main house to the barn, which accommodates Greg’s studio, framing workshop and gallery. Oh, and a pristine croquet lawn if anyone fancies a game.
The greenhouse is a most intriguing space– it hardly holds a plant yet comes complete with “Vincent’s Yellow House.
Walk out the French doors to a patio and find a single pod chair in the
shade of a tree, awaiting contemplation. On the outer brick wall of the
greenhouse is a shimmering line drawing, yet another spurt of
creativity. But upon closer inspection I see it has been fashioned by a
resident snail… obviously all creatures that live here are humble
artists. There is no doubt that this is one of those places that
fairies feel free to roam, and tiny heart shapes appear in the most
subtle of spaces…”
Caption: it was the citing of this torn heart shape in Greg’s home that first inspired me with the idea for the ‘my heart wanders’ project. I have always had trouble with answering questions that ask me what or who my favorite is, it stumps me every time, and I
find myself pondering the question for days. But if I have to choose,
then artist Greg Hyde is one person who has inspired me the most. Greg
is a painter and friend who I admire greatly. I first met him some 10
years ago and was completely captivated by his artwork and his
sparkling personality. Then I was privileged to photograph his home a
few years ago and wrote the short piece about it that you have read
above. His home
was just magic to visit, I am forever inspired when I look at the
photographs and reminisce of my time there. I am now an avid collector
of Greg’s work…
(‘Big Horse’ by Greg Hyde)
His etchings and paintings are incredibly beautiful – each work is a mini adventure and I often find myself staring into them. I now have a collection of Greg’s originals as well as etchings; ‘songs my father taught me’ and ‘the disciples pencils’ are two of my favorites…
Greg
often uses words in his work, which I adore. I love the combination of
words and imagery and perhaps this is why I’m so drawn to photographing
and styling images for editorial.
(Basket case by Greg Hyde)
His work is whimsical and rich with layers. I definitely use this
technique in my interiors and still life stories - I like to create
layers of texture and then I add a little touch of whimsy to each space
or vignette to draw the eye into the room.
(Isaac Isaac case by Greg Hyde)
Greg’s work is certainly a huge inspiration to me as a stylist and photographer. He captures my imagination and takes me to places I have never been – this is what I hope to evoke in my own work.
(Greg's Ink pots)
* * *Pia Jane Bijkerk
* * *contact Pia
